Upmarket butcher’s Parson’s Nose will revive Farmison after securing a deal to buy the shuttered brand from Vestey Holdings.
Set to trade under its own name, Farmison will make use of its new owners’ sourcing relationships and operational infrastructure to win back customers.
The brand’s rejuvenation is foremost a “digital revival project”, according to Parson’s Nose co-owner and director Tony Hindhaugh.
Parson’s Nose operates four butchers shops in Fulham, South Kensington, Belgravia and Putney, alongside a nationwide DTC delivery business. The online operation achieved average annual growth of 17% since 2020, the company said.
The acquisition of Farmison forms part Parson’s Nose’s long-term strategy to build a premium British butchery group, while keep the individual identity of each brand.
“We have some pretty heavyweight developers financially invested in the project,” Hindhaugh told The Grocer.
“Farmison as a brand is very strong, we just have to gain customer confidence back again and we have some pretty strong incentives to win back existing Farmison customers.”
Founded in North Yorkshire in 2011, Farmison grew to around £12m turnover during the pandemic. But the business struggled to adapt to a sharp decline in volumes post-pandemic and entered administration in April 2023.
Then bought by a consortium led by former Asda CEO Andy Clarke, the business faltered again and was broken up in late 2025, with the brand IP sold to Vestey Holdings through its Donald Russell butchery subsidiary.
But when Donald Russell ceased trading in April 2026, the future of the Farmison brand fell into doubt, with the website left on a holding page and no orders taken.
“We are fully aware of the turbulence Farmison has experienced, but its founding principles align naturally with those of Parson’s Nose: exceptional British meat, trusted relationships with farmers, knowledgeable butchery and first-class customer service,” said Hindhaugh.
“Operationally, Farmison fits seamlessly with our existing business. From day one, our new Farmison customers will receive the same care, quality and dependable service that Parson’s Nose customers already expect.
“Our ambition is simple: we want to bring the Farmison back to Farmison.”
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